Do it Yourself - Cable TV

These days it is very popular for DIY homeowners to add more cable TV locations in their home, or upgrade Internet service to a cable modem. These are easy for you to do yourself but there are some common mistakes that people make that could result in bad picture quality or intermittent operation.

This section will cover wiring with coaxial cable in your home and help you avoid common mistakes made when installing a CATV location or cable modem in your home.

1) Mistakes made when running coaxial cable.
2) How to install a connector on your cable.
3) Cable TV splitters.
4) How to install the coaxial cable for your cable modem.

Two Basic Mistakes made when running TV coax cable.

This first thing you need to keep in mind when running your cable is not to make hard 90 degree bends with the cable. The bends should be gradual bends; hard bends or kinks in the cable may result in a bad picture or pour performance.

Another mistake is to have too many cable splitters in your home. It is best to run each Cable TV wire back to a central location where the cable company brings your service into the house.

How to properly install a connector.

Improperly installed connectors are also a common mistake when installing coaxial cable. One of the most important things to remember is to make sure you have a good connection with the outer shield of the cable. DO NOT CUT IT OFF! You only need to trim it but make sure you leave enough to make a good connection.

The picture will show you the proper strip out of a coaxial cable for your typical F type crimp on or twist on connector.

Once the cable is stripped out the process is fairly simple, if the connector is a twist type you simply insert the cable into the connector and twist thee connector onto the cable until it is secure. If it is a crimp connector you insert the cable into the connector until the white inner insulation is flush with the small hole inside the connector and use a crimp tool to secure the connector to the cable.

Cable TV splitters.

It is best to have only one splitter unless you have a cable modem, than you will need two. Figure out how many TV locations you will have and purchase a splitter that will accommodate the number of locations you will need. You can find splitters in a wide verity of sizes.

Below is an example of how to wire a cable TV splitter.

Cable Modems.

If you are going to install the wiring for a cable modem you will need to split the cable where it enters the house and than split it again for your televisions. Not splitting the cable correctly is a common mistake made when installing a modem, the best way is to get a simple two way splitter. It will have 1 in and two outs, bring the incoming cable from your provider into the “IN” position. Next take an “Out” to your modem. Than from the other “Out” take a cable to the “IN” of your second splitter. Connect your TV’s to the “OUTS” on your second splitter.

Below is an example of the first splitter as the cable enters your house.

Troubleshooting Tips

The first thing you should check is your connectors to insure they are installed properly and securely fastened.

Next make sure you don’t have any kinks or real hard bends in your cable.

Make sure the cable is split properly and that you have the minimum number of splitters in your circuit, preferably no more than two.

Make sure your “IN” and “OUT” on your splitter is correct.

If all else fails replace the cable and redo the connectors.

Remember that less is more, the least amount of cable and splitters you have the better.

Make sure you paid your cable bill. (Just kidding)

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and that you're wiring should conform to the National Electrical code. The information provided is general installation advice. We make no claims about the completeness or the accuracy of the information as it may apply to an infinite amount of field conditions. It is the responsibility of the person or persons using this information to check with all concerned parties, owners and local authorities, etc. before doing an installation. Users of this information agree to hold Wireityourself.com or any of its agents harmless form liabilities of any kind relating to the use of this information. You also agree to the terms set forth in our terms and conditions.